Monday, June 1, 2009

"I have learned that even with my $500 European-designer bifocals, I cannot see into a person's heart to know his spiritual condition. All I can do is tell the jagged tale of my own spiritual journey and declare that my life has been the better for having followed Christ."

For all you that know me, books have had a great impact on my life. I have always had large amounts of energy and as a child, I am sure that I greatly frustrated my poor parents. To help calm me down, my parents encouraged me to read and since then I've never stopped. My favorite part about books is that someone had something that impacted their life so much that they must share it with the world.

One of my very dear friends gave me a book called "Same Kind of Different as Me" by Ron Hall and and Denver Moore and it has quickly become one of my books that I want everyone to read. It is the true story of how two men from two very different backgrounds meet and impact each other's lives. Ron came from humble beginnings and became a very wealthy art dealer absorbed in his own world and oblivious to the hurt around in the world around him. Denver came from virtual slavery to homeless on the streets with nothing but anger and resentment for the world around him that didn't seem to care. This book shares their stories of redemption and how Ron's wife brought them together.

The above quote is from Ron's perspective and it sums up exactly the message I hope to bring with me to the UK. As much as I long to be able to see into some one's heart, I cannot. It's not about what I can do, but only what Christ can do. I have been reading the book of Mark and in chapter 2 verse 8 it says that "immediately Jesus knew in his spirit what they were thinking in their hearts...". Only Christ has that power to read the heart! As for my 'jagged tale of my own spiritual journey", I might not have the most wild, adventurous story of how I came to Christ, but I think the importance of my story is the consistency of staying with Christ. One think I do know is that my life has been better for having followed Christ. Without Him, I AM NOTHING. I love God with everything in me. Without Him I have no hopes of accomplishing anything from the tiny and insignificant to the world changing dreams I have.

I encourage everyone to read "Same Kind of Different As Me". It's one of the best decisions you can read and hey, it's the summer time. Take an afternoon to sit back and relax and be prepared to have your mind blown!